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Welcome to an exciting week in the world of fantasy football as we delve into the much-anticipated Week 7 matchups! With the season well underway, fantasy team managers are carefully considering their lineup decisions, aiming to secure crucial victories and maintain a competitive edge. In this edition, we'll explore key players to start and sit, offering strategic insights to help fantasy managers optimize their rosters and outmaneuver their opponents. Week 7 presents a range of intriguing matchups, making informed choices even more critical to achieving fantasy success. From emerging stars to seasoned veterans, we'll guide you through the landscape, highlighting the players poised to shine and those facing tough challenges in this pivotal week of fantasy football.
As we approach the midseason mark, fantasy football enthusiasts are keenly watching the performances of both established stars and breakout talents. Week 7 presents a dynamic blend of matchups that could prove to be make or break for many fantasy teams. Managers will need to carefully assess player form, team dynamics, and opponent strength to determine the optimal lineup. In this analysis, we will identify players with favorable matchups, allowing fantasy managers to capitalize on potential high-scoring opportunities. Likewise, we will flag those facing tougher challenges, advising caution to ensure fantasy lineups are not caught off guard.
Navigating the fantasy football landscape can be a complex task, especially in a week as crucial as Week 7. The intricacies of player schedules, injuries, and performance trends all come into play, making lineup decisions all the more critical. In this week's start and sit analysis, we'll consider factors such as recent player performance, matchup statistics, and injury updates to help fantasy football enthusiasts craft a competitive and strategic lineup. Whether you're looking to maintain your spot at the top of the league or make a comeback, making the right choices this week could prove instrumental in achieving your fantasy football aspirations.
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Week 7 Woos - Fantasy Football Booms
Geno Smith - QB, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
Through the first five games of the 2023 season, we have seen more of the Geno Smith we've been accustomed to as opposed to the version that was providing elite fantasy production in 2022. So far, he has been able to muster just one QB1 finish and in that game, it was his only multi-touchdown performance. Outside of that game, you have a player who has been a back-end QB2 for much of the season.
In looking at his deeper analytic numbers, nothing stands out to show an upside on the way. He currently sits outside the top 20 in all major categories, and his five touchdowns through five games leaves a lot to be desired. From a production standpoint, he is virtually meeting his expected points per game of 14.1 FPPG (QB23 - 14.2 FPPG).
Heading into Week 7, there could be a little bit of sunlight on the horizon for Smith. He will be at home and facing a Cardinals defense that has been among the bottom in the league in points allowed to the position over the last four weeks (18.05 FPPG).
With the weapons that surround Smith, a game in which he produces high-end QB1 numbers could happen in any given week. Also, with Kenneth Walker playing at an elite level, defenses cannot focus on one aspect of the offense. I expect to see Smith provide fantasy managers with his second multi-touchdown game of the season and easily finish as a QB1 in Week 7. This makes him a player that you will want to get into your lineups, especially with six teams on bye.
Kareem Hunt - RB, Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts
After two weeks of slowly getting worked back into game shape upon re-signing with the Browns, Kareem Hunt came out of the bye week and produced a surprising RB1 finish in Week 6. He saw his highest percentage to date in all three key categories for the position, going over 30% in snap share, rush attempts, and routes run.
In his three games, he has yet to eclipse 75 total yards rushing, but his five receptions could be a good sign of things to come if he maintains a role in the passing game. He will continue to share the backfield with Jerome Ford, but it is becoming clear that Hunt is the preferred back for the Browns once they get into the red zone.
In a perfect world for the Browns, the game script we saw in Week 6 is exactly how they would like the offense to look. Both running backs get double-digit touches as they chew the game clock and limit possessions for the opposition.
Looking ahead to Week 7, Hunt will be my "gut call" of the week. He will be looking at a very favorable matchup as the Browns will go on the road to take on the Colts. A defense that has been very generous to opposing running backs over the last month, surrendering 26.05 FPPG to the position.
Even with Ford commanding the majority of touches, Hunt's value in the red zone is what to watch for in this. With Deshaun Watson practicing for the first time in weeks, the Browns could see more opportunities to score than originally thought. I'm looking for Hunt to provide 75 total yards in this game, as well as find the end zone for a second straight game. This will put him in line to finish as a borderline RB2 for fantasy managers in Week 7.
Wan'Dale Robinson - WR, New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders
Since returning in Week 3, Wan'Dale Robinson has been quietly solid for fantasy managers. Although the yardage has yet to catch up, he has been the main target for Giants quarterbacks. He is currently 14th at the position with a target rate of 27.5% while averaging nearly seven targets over the last three games.
Playing primarily out of the slot, he has been a menace for opposing defenders, as his 2.56 yards of target separation ranks third at receiver. He has become the top option in the passing game and if the Giants' defense continues to struggle, Robinson could settle in as a consistent WR3 producer in PPR formats.
Week 7 brings what could be an exploitable matchup for Robinson and his fantasy managers. The Giants will be at home and facing a very soft Commanders secondary that has allowed 43.10 FPPG over the last month to opposing receivers.
Also, this same defense is tied for the most touchdowns allowed to the position as well. While the Commanders likely focus on limiting Saquon Barkley's effect on this game, look for Robinson to compile several receptions in an attempt to provide some offense. Although he may not go over the 100-yard mark in this matchup, I expect Robinson to score and provide fantasy managers with a solid WR3 week in starting lineups.
Michael Mayer - TE, Las Vegas Raiders @ Chicago Bears
The Raiders made a point of involving Michael Mayer more in the offense in Week 6, and the rookie responded very well. Recording a season-high in routes run (67%) and target share (21%), it's clear what he can do given more opportunities in the passing game.
He nearly doubled his season production with five receptions and 75 yards on six targets, which landed him at TE6 last week. The question is, is this production a one-game anomaly, or just the tip of the iceberg? With fellow rookie tight end Sam LaPorta shining with the Detroit Lions, the Raiders would be smart to find more ways to include Mayer in the passing game.
Look for the momentum of last week to carry over into Week 7 for Mayer and the Raiders. He will aim to take advantage of a Bears defense that has been among the league's worst in points allowed to opposing tight ends (13.87 FPPG). With most of the defensive attention paid to Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams, Mayer could find plenty of open space to work with. Something that will gain the favor of either Brian Hoyer or Aidan O'Connell with Jimmy Garoppolo on the sidelines. Look for Mayer to produce favorable numbers in Week 7 and could be considered a streaming option for managers in need of a tight end for the week.
Week 7 Boos - Fantasy Football Busts
Kirk Cousins - QB, Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
After the first three games, Kirk Cousins looked to be the steal of fantasy drafts with nine touchdowns and a 300-yard game in each on his way to being the QB1 overall. But since that torrid start, Cousins has found himself falling back to the pack with two performances under 200 yards passing and only five touchdowns.
Adding insult to injury, Cousins has to now work without the league's top wideout Justin Jefferson. The first game without Jefferson did not go very well, as Cousins could only muster 181 yards and one score against a Bears defense that was one of the league's worst going into the game.
From bad to worse in Week 7 for Cousins and the Vikings offense. They will be facing one of the league's best defenses in the 49ers. A defense that has allowed just 9.91 FPPG to opposing quarterbacks with just five passing touchdowns given up over the season.
With the 49ers coming off of a loss to the Browns in Week 6, the Vikings do not find themselves in an enviable position. The 49ers defense will be out to make a point and the going will be tough for Cousins and the Vikings. He could luckily find a passing touchdown in this matchup, but expecting much in terms of fantasy production would be fool's gold for fantasy managers in Week 7.
Jonathan Taylor - RB, Indianapolis Colts vs. Cleveland Browns
Since returning from his IR stint and contract negotiations to begin the season, Taylor has not been the breath of fresh air that many fantasy managers were hoping to see in their lineups. You could say that the team is playing it safe with his usage as he has just 14 carries over the team's last two games.
The five receptions in Week 6 are an encouraging sign as the injury to Anthony Richardson puts Gardner Minshew in at QB full-time for the Colts. This should result in more frequent checkdowns to the running back position. But another key factor going against Taylor has been the elite play from Zack Moss to begin the 2023 season. The Colts will likely continue to utilize the split backfield in hopes of maintaining fresh legs for their backs.
Things will not be looking up for Taylor in Week 7 either as the Colts will be welcoming in the Cleveland Browns. A defense that has been on a historic run to open the season. It has been nearly impossible to move the ball on this defense through six games.
For running backs, they have allowed just 16.08 FPPG and only two scores. With an offense that could be struggling to maintain consistency and a split workload in the backfield, fantasy managers will need to temper expectations in Week 7. Taylor will likely be in lineups as an RB2, but RB3-level production is what I expect to see in this game.
D.J. Moore - WR, Chicago Bears vs. Las Vegas Raiders
After the amazing two-week stretch for D.J. Moore in Weeks 4 & 5 where he compiled 16 receptions, 361 yards, and four touchdowns for 60 FP, last week's performance was a big letdown for fantasy managers. Even though the targets (eight) were still there, five catches for 51 yards was not what you were hoping to see in an advantageous matchup.
On the season, he currently ranks as the WR9 with 20.0 FPPG on the strength of five touchdowns (WR2) and 582 yards (WR5). Oddly enough, he and tight end Cole Kmet have the same targets per route run (0.21) with Kmet running 51 fewer routes on the season. Even though Moore sits at WR7 on the season in first read % (37.4), it's clear that the Bears need to get the ball into his hands more and allow his athleticism to do the work. His 242 yards after the catch (WR4) speaks to this fact.
To make matters worse, Moore will now have to forge ahead with Tyson Bagent at quarterback in place of the injured Justin Fields. A task that will not be simple in Week 7 as the Bears will be facing a Raiders defense that has been surprisingly good in limiting production to opposing wide receivers (30.40 FPPG).
Watching the Bears offense last week after Fields exited the game due to injury, you saw a team that struggled to be able to move the ball consistently. Due to this, fantasy managers should hold their collective breaths while hoping to see any production from Moore in this game. If you have any potential on your bench that presents a better matchup, it could be worthwhile to pursue that option as Moore could be a potential albatross in lineups in Week 7.
Sam LaPorta - TE, Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens
The tight end that has turned the heads of many now believers (yours NOT included) early in the 2023 season, Sam LaPorta has bucked the trend of rookie tight ends not producing fantasy results. On the season, he is currently ranked as TE3 with 13.3 FPPG.
LaPorta is among the position's leaders in nearly all the key categories. His three touchdowns are tops at TE, while his 29 receptions (TE4), 325 yards (TE2), and 22.0% target share (TE3) all are characteristics of an elite-level player. With the upside that the Lions offense presents, LaPorta should continue to carry top-five production for fantasy managers who were smart enough to take the chance on him in drafts.
Unfortunately, that production may not be there for managers in Week 7. The Lions will be on the road to face a Ravens defense that has been the stingiest in the league in terms of points allowed to the position (6.22 FPPG) to begin the season. In fact, they are one of a handful of defenses that has yet to allow a touchdown to date and have limited tight ends to a total of 151 yards.
The matchup against the Ravens has all the feel of a low-scoring defensive battle, which will limit scoring opportunities for LaPorta and the Lions' offense. He will be in fantasy lineups in Week 7 due in large part to how thin the depth of the position is in fantasy, but expecting his usual production could be a setup for failure.
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